Tasting and Pairing
This honjozo sake boasts a dry profile with excellent sharpness, characterized by notes of white pepper and grain.
Food Pairing
Cold sake: Sashimi and salted grilled white fish, prawn kakiage, char-grilled chicken
Hot sake: Hot pot dishes such as mizutaki, seafood bowls, etc.
Best served at
Cold sake: around 10°C; Hot sake: around 50℃
Best served in
Cold sake: Usuhari 90ml sake cup; Hot sake: Small flat sake cup
Specifications
Alcohol
15
%
Polishing Ratio
70
%
Rice
Sasanishiki (Miyagi Prefecture)
Water
Water from the Zao mountain range
Retail Price
¥1,006 (720ml), ¥1,713 (1800ml)
Prizes & Awards
Brussels Sake Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2018 1st Place
The Brewery
Founded in 1873, the brewery aimed to create "the ultimate meal-time sake" that complements cuisine. It's based in southern Osaki Plain, Miyagi, known for Sasanishiki and Hitomebore rice. In 2000, with 90% of its production being basic sake ("Futsushu"), it struggled financially. The 5th generation owner, Niizawa, returned to prevent its closure and initiated a turnaround. In 2002, he rebuilt the brewery and launched "Hakurakusei," a sharp, low-sweetness "food sake" that became popular nationwide. After the 2011 earthquake, they relocated and rebuilt in Shibata, driven by resilience and teamwork. The brewery continues to evolve and innovate.
Brewery Name
Niizawa Brewery
Founded
1873
Generation
5th
Location
Kitamachi-63 Sanbongi, Ōsaki, Miyagi 989-6321
Brewmaster
Nanami Watanabe
President
Iwao Niizawa
